Human rights activists were not allowed into detention center in Salihorsk

The head of Salihorsk’s police department Aliaksandr Astrejka did not allow representatives of Belarusian Helsinki Committee to visit the detention center.

A local human rights activist Leanid Markhotka reports about that, according to the human rights center Viasna.

Back on 29 July human rights activists sent the head of Salihorsk’s police a letter requesting for BHC representatives to be allowed into the local detention center with the purpose of preparing an alternative reports on Belarus’ following the recommendations of the UN’s Universal Periodic Review. Aliaksandr Astrejka promised to make a decision within three days, but exceeded the time limit for over a week.

- According to the law “On appeals from citizens”, this is, of course, not a violation, but if such high officials do not keep their word, this is not comme il faut at all, - Leanid Markhotka says.

Although, Mr. Astrejka did violate the abovementioned law, because he did not explain the procedure for appealing against his decision. Moreover, in the opinion of Salihorsk human rights activists, the response of the head of Salihorsk’s police department is not reasoned.

- It has already become a habit with our officials to copy significant parts from laws into their letters without thinking, instead of replying to the point, - Leanid Markhotka says in indignation. – Our references to specific articles of the laws “On information” and “On public associations” were ignored, that is why we will appeal against the decision.

The human rights activist does not rule out that the unwillingness to let independent observers into the detention center in Salihorsk may be caused by the actual failure to follow the legislation requirements on the detention conditions. In these circumstances the public may reasonably doubt the efficiency of the detention center premises’ renovation, announced in spring this year.